Jonah - The Prophet Who Tried To Run From God Jonah 1-4 During Elisha's prophetship, the Syrians were a strong nation, often fighting against the Israelites. After Elisha's death, the Syrians weakened, and the Assyrian king, conquering small countries, sent his armies near Israel and began to cause fear among the Israelites. Nineveh, the Assyrian capital, was home to a great king and a large city with thousands living within its walls. Despite their wickedness, God was merciful and sent a prophe